Anxiety

There are common symptoms of anxiety that people experience in terms of feelings, behaviors, thoughts, and physical sensations. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that anxiety is a highly subjective experience. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, nor will each person experience the same intensity of a symptom. Still, it is helpful to provide some examples of the common physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms of anxiety.

Physical symptoms of anxiety include:

A feeling of restlessness

Shortness of breath, or a feeling of choking

Sweaty palms

A racing heart

Chest pain or discomfort

Muscle tension, trembling, feeling shaky

Nausea and/or diarrhea

“Butterflies” in the stomach

Dizziness, or feeling faint

Hot flashes

Chills

Numbness, or tingling sensations

An exaggerated startle response

Sleep disturbance and fatigue

Behavioral symptoms of anxiety include:

Avoidance behaviors such as avoiding anxiety-producing situations (e.g., avoiding social situations) or places (e.g., using the stairs instead of an elevator).

Escaping from an anxiety-producing situation (like a crowded lecture hall).

Engaging in unhealthy, risky, or self-destructive behaviors (such as excessive drinking or drug use to deal with the anxiety).

Feeling compelled to limit the amount and scope of one’s daily activities to reduce the overall level of anxiety (e.g., remaining in the safety of one’s home).

Becoming overly attached to a safety object or person (e.g., refusing to go out, away from home, to school, or to work in order to avoid separation).